Virgin Restricts Laptop Computers

About a month ago, I blogged about Qantas Airlines’ ban on Dell laptops after Dell recalled over 4 million batteries that they said had a risk of exploding. Soon after that recall, Apple announced that they would also recall a number of at-risk batteries for some of their older iBook and PowerBook laptops.

Now Virgin Atlantic Airways has restricted the use of Dell and Apple laptops aboard its flights. Under the new rules, passengers in first class may plug the laptops into their seat-side power supplies, but those seated in coach are SOL.

Batteries must be wrapped and carried separately from the computer for the entirety of the flight. The airline says it will lift the ban as soon as all safety issues are resolved.